One of the common universal shared belief is that working hard pays. Staying at a thing, putting all the required effort into it and finally getting a desired outcome gives a great feeling; a fulfilment and joy that all efforts did not go down the drain. The tribe I come from so much lay emphasis on being hardworking because it is believed to be the only true way to success: and that's true, success doesn't come without any work done.
It is sometimes painful and other times regretful when we put our efforts into certain thing but didn't get the expected result: not getting the expected result is not always because one did not do the required, it just happens like that. Sometimes, we have to give it several trials before we get the result. Wasted efforts is as bad as anything bad.
Recently, I took on a project, more like a big decision. I volunteered to work for a NGO organization as a graphic designer (Visual Identity Designer). I got to know about the organization through a childhood friend who has been part of the organization for a long time now. I have been seeing their activities and what they do on his WhatsApp status so I asked him if I could join, got a positive answer. I filled a Google form a month later to give my details and reasons for wanting to join the organization. Filled another one mid February and was added to a new WhatsApp group where I met few guys,was told how I am suppose to help the organization, which was okay by me. Started creating designs for them a week after joining like social media designs and birthday design templates for members when celebrating their birthday.
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But yesterday, I was to deliver a carousel design which had about 6 slides. It was my first time of receiving a long design brief, I had to read and read again when I was given 3 days ago. I was skeptical if I could pull that kinda thing in 3 days, I wasn't sure of myself for some unknown reasons. I woke up early on the deadline day, planned for the day and began work by 10 am in the morning. It was a long process of making researches by prompting ChatGpt and searching for inspirations on Pinterest but I made sure to consume a heap of rice and stew before locking in on the work. I got the required info and starts the first slide of the design which was to raise awareness, downloaded the necessary elements at intervals for the other 5 slides.
I made adjustments, corrections and finalized the whole carousel around past 7 pm, sent it to the group and waited for a response. I was more than exhausted when I finished the whole thing, sitting and working for 10 hours striaght (aside when I went out to get snacks) was not easy at all. I couldn't start desiging until the last day because of peer supply so I ended up working myself out.
When I got some rest and looked at the designs later on, I was glad it was worth the whole time and effort: also, I was able to meet with the deadline given. I also got a compliment from the person that sent me the design brief.
All images are mine.